On the Town: Luncheon raises dough for Meals on Wheels
For the 35th year, Church Women United of Glendale put on their all-you-can-eat Salad Bar Luncheon to benefit the Salvation Army’s “Meals on Wheels” program. On July 24 more than 200 hungry salad-eaters each paid an $8 donation for lunch served between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at First United Methodist. If salad wasn’t their thing, there was also bread and deviled eggs.
Event Co-chairmen Keril Drake from Salvation Lutheran Church and Evelyn Horigan from Central Christian Church kept the salad bowls replenished. A favorite was the Chinese Chicken salad that disappeared in spite of efforts to keep the bowl full. Helping Drake was her 15-year-old daughter, Celeste Drake. Celeste is a 10th grader at Salem Lutheran and often takes advantage of ways to earn community hours, a requirement of her school.
Adding to the largesse were also donations from popular restaurants in Glendale. A new restaurant that contributed this year was the New Moon in Montrose. Other restaurants were Conrad’s, Billy’s, Art’s Meat Market, Marie Callender’s and Foxy’s.
During the luncheon, Horigan awarded the national Human Rights Award to Richard White. As director of social services, White coordinates 40 to 45 volunteers for the Army’s “Meals on Wheels.” White has worked with the program for five years. “We bring the human touch to seniors who are home alone and see no one — not even the mailman,” said White. He continued, “There are so many lonely people in Glendale.” White works closely with Salvation Army Captains Rachel and Rio Ray, also recognized at the luncheon by Horigan.
Among Glendale supporters was the new Vice Chairman of the Commission on the Status of Women, Lynda Burns. She was joined for lunch by Mary Rose Grim. More community volunteers present included Mary Margaret Smith, Anna Rundle and Betty Musacco.
An added bonus — for $5 you could take home a plateful of slices of the homemade bread offered at lunch.
Last year, $2,040 was raised. Organizers are hopeful proceeds will exceed that amount this year.
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During this 85th anniversary year of Glendale Community College, the College Foundation held its annual board installation and dinner meeting. On July 24 the Los Robles Culinary Arts building was the aromatic setting in which students prepared and served dinner.
A patio reception preceded the dinner, followed by a brief meeting. Ellyn Semler gave her President’s Welcome. She then introduced of the Foundation’s new president, Mike Haney. Also delivering remarks was the new college interim Superintendent/President Dr. Jim Riggs. Riggs’ appearance was the first time some members of his audience got a look at him. Riggs was introduced by college Board of Trustees President Dr. Armine Hacopian.
The highlight of the evening, however, was the installation of Foundation officers by Glendale Fire Department Chief Harold Scoggins. It went off without a hitch.
Present for the evening was another chief — college Chief of Police Gary Montecuollo. Montecuollo frequently donates scholarships to students.
The foundation will host the college’s 85th Anniversary Gala on Oct. 20.
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Glendale Latino Association members sure know how to party at their monthly mixers. This month’s get together was held at the Tam O’Shanter Restaurant in Atwater Village on July 25. This long-standing inn specializes in English and Irish fare. Members and their guests took full advantage of beverages and heavy hors d’oeuvres to sip, sup and pass out business cards. Members present included Past Presidents Amy Navarrete and Mercy Velazquez. Husband Mike Velazquez accompanied her.
Association President Nancy Guillen announced the Community Partnership award just given to it by the Glendale Youth Alliance. “Our two organizations resonate because our mission is to help youth,” said Guillen.
The annual fee for individual membership in the Glendale Latino Assn. is $50.
RUTH SOWBY may be reached at ruthasowby@gmail.com.